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Five Potential Title Defences for Champion Tyson Fury

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After completing a miracle in Dusseldorf outpointing the world's most dominant fighter in Wladimir Klitschko since 2004, Tyson Fury has injected new life into the heavyweight division with many potential exciting title defences.

After completing a miracle in Dusseldorf outpointing the world's most dominant fighter in Wladimir Klitschko since 2004, Tyson Fury has injected new life into the heavyweight division with many potential exciting title defences. From heavyweight contenders lingering around the world title picture to a potential unification showdown - all of the fights suggested are possible which is testament to Fury's willingness to face anyone. Kubrat Pulev (21-1, 11 KOs)

Pulev is climbing his way back up the ladder to another world title shot and could face Tyson Fury in 2016. Image: RingTV

Bulgarian heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev has been clawing his way back into the world title picture after suffering a knockout loss to Wladimir Klitschko last November, and having fought once and then recently beating Maurice Harris, the 34-year old will be seeking another shot at world title glory. Prior to his fight against former heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko, the Bulgarian was considered one of the few fighters in the division to cause 'Dr. Steelhammer' problems. While he was dealt with relatively easily, Pulev showed immense heart and courage to survive three knockdowns and fought on at all costs.Not only that, the 34-year old, promoted by Team Sauerland showed he carries the power to trouble any heavyweight on the planet. Early in the fight against Klitschko, Pulev wobbled The Ukrainian with a stiff jab and it would be interesting to see how newly-crowned Tyson Fury would cope with his awkward but effective style of fighting.

Lucas Browne (23-0, 20 KOs)

Browne is a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Image: Sky Sports

Nicknamed 'Big Daddy', the undefeated Lucas Browne is making quick work of anyone in his way and tearing through the heavyweight division. The 36-year old, from Australia, has racked up 23 impressive victories in his six-year career as a professional. Browne, a former mixed martial artist, has been chasing a WBA title fight against Ruslan Chagaev and according to 'Big Daddy' there will be a meeting on November 30th to discuss a date and location. Despite this, a fight with Tyson Fury is still very possible. In an interview with IFL TV's Kugan Cassius, Fury promised Lucas Browne when he becomes the world heavyweight champion, Browne would be his first voluntary defence. Promoted by Ricky Hatton, 36-year old Lucas Browne is a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. He knocked out Richard Towers and James Toney in 2013 and showed amazing heart and determination not only to continue in his fight against Julius Long with a broken right hand, but claim the stoppage win too. A fight against Tyson Fury would be an interesting and entertaining one. Read our exclusive interview with Lucas Browne Bryant Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs)

Emanating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bryant Jennings is a respectable heavyweight lingering around the world title picture. After showing a valiant effort in defeat to Wladimir Klitschko in April, the American has proved he can definitely mix with the elite. Jennings is currently scheduled to face the dangerous and undefeated Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz on December 19, and emerging victorious over Ortiz could propel the 30-year old to a legitimate world title shot. With Wladimir Klitschko reportedly set to active his rematch clause against Tyson Fury, that means Jennings could be forced to wait until he could potentially get a shot. The American, nicknamed 'By-By', defeated heavyweight contender Mike Perez by split-decision to earn him the shot against Wladimir Klitschko, but should Tyson Fury defeat 39-year old Klitschko in a rematch, Jennings could well be on the list of Fury's future opponents. Deontay Wilder (35-0, 33 KOs)

After outpointing Bermane Stiverne to become the WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder has successfully defended his title twice against Johann Duhaupas and Eric Molina; claiming stoppages in both.Despite sometimes failing to convince experts and fans with lackluster performances, Wilder is the lead titleholder of a respected sanctioning body in the WBC and his title is craved by many heavyweights, and probably by Tyson Fury too who would not only have the opportunity to add to his newly-won titles but claim another big payday. The two heavyweights have exchanged verbals in the past, and after Fury outpointed Wladimir Klitschko, Wilder once again set out his intentions of a unification fight.

Deontay Wilder, 30, punches like a mule and his 34 knockouts out of 35 fights is a clear example of that. It would be a tough fight for Tyson Fury but after his heroic victory against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, it's certainly a unification showdown he would fancy his chances in. Wilder has notable victories over Bermane Stiverne, Audley Harrison and Malik Scott so he is a victory that Fury would ideally want on his record.

David Haye (26-2, 24 KOs)

After a three year layoff from the sport, 35-year old Haye finally announced his return to boxing against Mark de Mori on January 16th. The former world heavyweight champion is also under the tutelage of Shane McGuigan, also trainer of IBF titlist Carl Frampton.Originally scheduled to fight Tyson Fury in 2013, Haye pulled out twice due to constant injuries which then forced him to retire for three years. But now, he is back and providing the Londoner defeats Mark de Mori, a the all-British showdown could well be back on track.The question still remains - will Tyson Fury and his team allow David Haye a title shot after unwillingly wasting their time in 2013? Team Fury now have the world heavyweight titles and it will be Haye doing all of the chasing now. One has to wonder if champion Fury will risk a fight against his 35-year old rival in case he pulls out again.However, if Haye decides to go through the WBC route to a fight with Deontay Wilder and then beats him, a unification showdown would certainly interest Tyson Fury. With already one world champion in Fury along with David Haye's fame, a future fight between the two could be one of the biggest Britain has seen in decades.More: Klitschko vs. Fury fight report

TheSportMatrix | We Live For Sport: Five Potential Title Defences for Champion Tyson Fury

Five Potential Title Defences for Champion Tyson Fury

After completing a miracle in Dusseldorf outpointing the world's most dominant fighter in Wladimir Klitschko since 2004, Tyson Fury has injected new life into the heavyweight division with many potential exciting title defences.